After a week of high quality tennis, the quarterfinal stage of the first ATP event of the season are upon us in Delray Beach, Florida. Here are my predictions for Monday’s quarterfinals.
ATP Delray Beach Quarterfinal Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs John Isner
Sebastian Korda has a bright future in the game and showcased his talent at Roland Garros last year, reaching the fourth round. The American recorded an impressive three set victory over fellow American Tommy Paul in the previous round and it’s good to see Korda building on that Roland Garros result. For John Isner, last season was a quiet one, with the American not being able to find his best form since a foot injury that he picked up in the Miami Open in 2019. Isner deserves credit for the way his game has developed over the past few seasons, and he will be looking to start his 2021 season with a title. This should be a close match, with Isner getting the win in two tight sets.
Prediction: Isner in 2
Christian Harrison vs Gianluca Mager
Gianluca Mager caused the biggest upset on the tournament in the previous round with a straight sets win over Sam Querrey. He also beat Christian’s elder brother Ryan in his opening match. Christian Harrison has undoubtedly been the story of the tournament so far, with this being one of his first events back on the tour after recovering from injury. Although ranked at #789, Harrison has played well better than his ranking and will be looking to continue his dream run. However, I’m predicting the Italian to come through in straight sets.
Prediction: Mager in 2
Hubert Hurkacz vs Roberto Quiroz
Hubert Hurkacz has been a solid performer on the tour since his run to the quarterfinals of Indian Wells two years ago. Currently ranked at #35, the pole definitely had the potential to be in the Top 20 by the end of the year and one of the favourites for the title this. Roberto Quiroz played one of the best matches of his career in his previous round victory over Ivo Karlovic, a match in which the big serving Croat was only able to serve seven aces. Quiroz spent all of last season playing on the ATP Challenger Tour, and it is good to see him being able to establish himself at a tour level event. However, I think Hurkacz will have to much for Quiroz, winning in straight sets.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Cameron Norrie vs Frances Tiafoe
Arguably the match of the day, this match features an interesting clash of tennis styles. Tiafoe possesses a powerful baseline game, with the ability to hit through players from the back of the court as well as getting free points off his first serve. On the other hand, Norrie, although not possessing the power of the American, has the ability to wear down opponents from the back of the court and is always good at making his opponent play the extra ball, utilising high amounts of top spin on his forehand. Norrie goes into this match on the back of an impressive straight sets win over Adrian Mannarino, whereas Tiafoe had to work harder in his three set victory in the previous round. I’m predicting this one to go the distance, with the American pulling through in three sets.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
